Anthony Minichiello to decide between Blues and Azzurri

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ANTHONY Minichiello may be forced to decide between playing a World Cup with brother Mark - or representing NSW in State of Origin.

The Daily Telegraph understands Minichiello is currently unavailable to play for the Blues after declaring his eligibility to play for Italy at the end-of-season World Cup.

Minichiello's brother, Gold Coast Titan Mark, will also play for the Azzurri.

Should fullback Jarryd Hayne be forced out of State of Origin II in Brisbane with a leg injury, NSW coach Laurie Daley will have to decide between Minichiello, the Dragons' Josh Dugan, Manly's Brett Stewart and Cronulla's Michael Gordon.

Dugan, who plays for the Dragons against North Queensland tomorrow night, is odds-on favourite with Minichiello running second. Stewart is unlikely to be available because of injury.

Minichiello, though, would have to declare himself available for Australia to play State of Origin.

If he did that, he would then have to wait two years - under the International Rugby League guidelines - before returning to represent Italy.

That, obviously, would be well after the World Cup.

"Under the current RLIF eligibility rules a player is entitled to change his country of election once every two years or after the World Cup, whichever is the earlier," said Andrew Hill, NRL general manager game development and league integration.

"In order to participate in Origin, a player must be eligible and select Australia as his country of election.

"The commission was very keen to ensure the concept of the State of Origin remained as a game between NSW and Queensland. Tightening up the eligibility rules was a move towards ensuring the concept was protected."

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